Dromedary Camel

Scientific Name:Camelus dromedariusClass:MammaliaOrder:ArtiodactylaFamily:CamelidaeFeeding Type:OmnivorousRange:Africa, ArabiaHabitat:
Dessert, dry arid regionsDiet in the Wild:Plant or animals matter, seeds, grains and leaves Diet at the Zoo:Free foragingLongevity:
Approximately 40 to 50 years old in captivityDescription:Dromedary camels are single humped measuring up to10 feet tall, with a shoulder height of 6-7 feet. They can weigh between 1000-1500 pounds. Their slender legs ending in two toes support their larger upper body with an elongated neck and head. Upper lip is deeply cleft and eyes are heavily lashed. Their ears are haired and nostrils are slit-like. They can be fawn or beige in color and are relatively smaller than their cousins the 2 hump Bactrian camels.Adaptation/Behavior:They are diurnal, generally shy and usually associate in groups of 4 to 6 individuals. The calloused pads on the knees and chest help support the animal's weight on the ground. Camels have an ambling gait, simultaneously bringing up both legs on the same side. Closable slit nostrils help to keep out blowing sand. There is a groove from the nostrils to the cleft in the upper lip to catch moisture from the nostrils. Double rows of eyelashes protect the eyes from blowing sand and the sun. Broad, flat feet are ideal for traveling on sand.Courtship/Breeding:Gestation is 390-410 days. There is usually a single birth and the young is able to move about freely by the end of the first day. The female camel has 2 teats and will nurse her offspring for more than one year. Full maturity is reached at 5 years. Conservation:Dromedary camels are at a lower risk

Interesting Facts

Our Animals

Desert nomads use camel milk as the main source of nutrition

The humps are not actually filled with water.

Sometimes referred to as the “ship of the dessert”

Our camels are summer visitors and available for rides in the summer time